Note: This article is updated constantly. Last update: 10 March 2023.
1. Introduction
NV and thermal riflescopes have significantly impacted the hunting market. Before their introduction, hunting was primarily limited to daylight and dusk and relied on high-quality daytime optics to identify game in low-lighting conditions. In recent years, these devices have also been utilized by police, the military, and other professionals. There is still debate among EU countries on the legality of using NV and thermal optics for hunting, with some countries changing their laws to allow for their use in managing wild boar populations due to the outbreak of African swine fever.
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The history of thermal optics
- 3. Technology in thermal riflescopes
- 4. Thermal riflescopes’ mounting standards
- 5. Mounting of Thermal riflescopes on various mounting platforms
- 6. Thermal riflescopes vs Thermal clip-ons
- 7. Thermal riflescope mounting standards
- 7.1 Screw hole mounting standards
- 7.1.1 Pulsar Trail mounting standard
- 7.1.2 Pulsar Talion mounting standard
- 7.1.3. Infiray Saim mounting standard
- 7.1.4 Infiray Rico mounting standard
- 7.1.5 Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
- 7.1.6 Dedal mounting standard
- 7.1.7 Night Pearl Oracle mounting standard
- 7.1.8 Conotech Polaris mounting standard
- 7.1.9 Fortuna General One mounting standard
- 7.1.10 Guide mounting standard
- 7.1.11 TVT mounting standard
- 1.1.12 Pard NV008 mounting standard
- 7.1.13 ATN ThOR mounting standard
- 7.1.14 Liemke Merlin mounting standard
- 7.2 Tube mounting standard (30 mm)
- 7.1 Screw hole mounting standards
- 8. Conclusion
2. The history of thermal optics
The development of infrared technology dates back almost a century, with its first use being in the military. Over time, the benefits of thermal imaging and night vision have been recognized in various industries. Hunters started noticing the changes in certain wild animals’ behavior – red deer, wild boars, and predators began appearing in the open only at dusk or at night, making the use of daytime optics ineffective for hunting this species. This led to the development of night vision and thermal hunting equipment, which greatly impacted the hunting industry. The first companies to produce these devices for civilian use were Dedal, Pulsar, and Dipol. The effectiveness of these devices has improved significantly in the last couple of years.
3. Technology in thermal riflescopes
Because thermal devices do not require light to operate, they are not fitted with an infrared illuminator. The sensor of the apparatus picks up infrared radiation that our surroundings release. Radiation intensity increases with object temperature. The sensor's detectors measure the radiation's temperature; the data is then converted into electrical signals. These are transmitted to the device's screen and transformed into the corresponding colour, which is discernible to the human eye.
4. Thermal riflescopes’ mounting standards
A thermal riflescope can either have a designated screw-hole mounting system or use the tube as a method of attachment.
4.1. Screw hole mounting standards
Thermal riflescopes that don't have a tube come with a specialized mounting standard located at the bottom of the device. It typically consists of screw holes; there are various standards available that vary in terms of the size and positioning of the screw holes on the surface used for mounting.
4.2 Tube mounting standards
The popularity of tube mounting for thermal optics has risen in recent years, with manufacturers working towards making these devices as similar to traditional riflescopes as possible. This design is particularly popular among hunters. The diameter of the tube is 30 mm, so 30mm rings are needed to mount such devices on a firearm.
5. Mounting of Thermal riflescopes on various mounting platforms
5.1 Picatinny rails
The Picatinny mounting standard is the most used mount attachment system in rifles, so it is no coincidence that it is the top choice for thermal riflescope mounting, regardless of whether the device is mounted by the means of a tube or screw holes. Because of Picatinny rail’s practicality, many new rifles come with it pre-attached. Also, if you own a rifle with bores drilled onto the receiver and wish to mount a thermal riflescope on it, a Picatinny rail is the most sensible choice.
Many rifles are equipped with built-in Picatinny rails, and for those with bores drilled into the receiver, a Picatinny rail is a practical choice due to its widespread use and affordability.
5.2 Pivot mounts
Pivot mounts are a popular choice when it comes to mounting shooting optics on a rifle because they are simple to use – they can be detached from and reattached to the firearm in a matter of seconds, eliminating the need to re-zero after every reattachment. There are several manufacturers that offer such mounting solutions for thermal riflescopes; the most popular mounts are made by INNOmount, MAK, Rusan, and Contessa.
5.3 Blaser mounting surface
Most Blaser rifles are equipped with a four-notch Blaser mounting system which is well-regarded for its dependability and ease of operation. Because Blaser rifles are incredibly popular, many mount manufacturers provide mounting solutions for thermal riflescopes that attach directly to the Blaser mounting system.
5.4 Sauer SUM
Sauer uses a special mounting surface on their famous 404 models. They call it SUM which is short for Sauer Universal Mount. From 2019 onwards, Sauer 303 rifles also feature it. If you own such a rifle, purchasing a thermal riflescope mount that fits directly onto Sauer’s SUM is the most sensible choice for a low-profile setup.
5.5 Sauer ISI
The appearance of the ISI mounting standard is comparable to the Picatinny mounting standard, particularly due to the presence of notches that serve as recoil stoppers. ISI can be found on all Sauer 303 rifles manufactured before 2019 and a few Sauer 202 models. Certain mount manufacturers offer mounting solutions for thermal optics that can be mounted directly onto the ISI rail.
5.6 Tikka T3
T3 made by Tikka is a highly popular hunting rifle thanks to its reliability, accuracy, and affordable price. The mounting platform is a 16.5mm dovetail with a recoil socket on the front mounting surface. Since there are many Tikka T3 rifles around, several manufacturers offer a mounting solution that grasps a thermal riflescope above and clamps onto the 16.5mm Tikka dovetail below.
5.7 CZ 527
Even though CZ 527 has a 16.5mm dovetail on its receiver like Tikka T3, one-piece mounts designed for 527 are not interchangeable with T3 because of the recoil notch location. Certain thermal riflescope mounts are designed to fit directly onto CZ 527’s mounting surface.
5.8 Leupold QR
Leupold’s QR mounting solution is a popular one, hence a few mount manufacturers have come up with a thermal riflescope mounting solution for it. MAK, for example, produces a MAKflex mount that can be installed onto Leupold QR bases. The mount can be adjusted to fit different thermal riflescope mounting standards and 30mm tubes.
5.9 CZ 550
CZ 550 features a 19.5 mm dovetail with a recoil socket located on the left side of the rear mounting surface. Because of its popularity and specific mounting platform, certain mount manufacturers provide mounting solutions that allow users to mount their thermal riflescopes directly on the CZ 550’s dovetail.
5.10 Merkel mounting surface
Several Merkel rifles and a few Fabarm rifle models feature a special, four-notch mounting surface. There is a recoil stopper on the front mounting surface, perpendicular to the front two notches. If you own any of these rifles and wish to have a low-profile thermal riflescope setup, you can purchase a mount that fits directly on the Merkel mounting surface.
5.11 12mm dovetail
12mm dovetail is a factory standard for break-barrel rifles. There are many break-barrel rifles around, so it is a sensible choice for the mount manufacturers to produce thermal riflescope mounts that fit directly on the 12mm dovetail.
5.11.1 Contessa 12 mm
Contessa produces a set of rails that convert the mounting surface of a specific rifle into a 12mm dovetail base. You can install any mount suitable for a 12mm dovetail on the base, but it works best with Contessa’s QR mount series. This series comprises all kinds of mounts, including the ones made for thermal riflescope mounting.
6. Thermal riflescopes vs Thermal clip-ons
6.1 Pros of thermal riflescopes
Weight
To use a clip-on for shooting, you need to mount it on a standard riflescope, which makes the setup bulky and heavy compared to thermal riflescope use. In addition, when a clip-on is mounted, it shifts the center of gravity towards the front, which takes some time to get used to. If you wish to keep the weight minimum, a thermal riflescope is the better choice.
Resolution
Usually, thermal clip-on devices have a lower sensor resolution compared to thermal riflescopes. Therefore, thermal riflescopes offer better optical performance and a greater view of the details.
Controls
It is much easier to reach the buttons on a thermal riflescope than on a clip-on, mounted in front of the daytime optic. Rear-mounted clip-ons are an exception to this rule.
Cost
If you own no shooting optics yet, buying a thermal riflescope is generally a more economical option than purchasing both a daytime riflescope and a clip-on device.
6.2 Cons of thermal riflescopes
Eye relief
Thermal riflescopes typically have a shorter eye relief compared to standard riflescopes, which may require some time to adjust to. If you attach a clip-on device to the objective of your riflescope, you won't need to make any changes to your shooting position because the eye relief remains the same. Rear-mounted clip-ons are an exception – the eye relief when using these is even shorter than that of thermal riflescopes.
Versatility
Removing a clip-on device takes just a few seconds, which allows for a quick transition from dusk and nighttime hunting to daytime hunting – standard riflescopes are still the best choice for hunting during the day. Thermal riflescopes offer no such versatility.
Legality of use
While many countries prohibit hunters from using thermal riflescopes, regulations on the use of clip-on devices are generally less strict since they do not feature a reticle and are commonly marketed as monoculars. Nevertheless, some countries have made thermal riflescopes legal for wild boar hunting in the last few years because of the outbreak of African swine fever.
Ownership of a premium standard riflescope
For someone who already owns a high-quality daytime riflescope from a renowned brand such as Swarovski, Kahles, Zeiss, Leica, or Blaser, a clip-on might be a more attractive choice since they will still be able to use their premium riflescope for both daytime and nighttime hunting.
7. Thermal riflescope mounting standards
7.1 Screw hole mounting standards
7.1.1 Pulsar Trail mounting standard
This is the first mounting standard that Pulsar used on their thermal riflescopes, so there are many mount manufacturers that produce mounts for it. There are four screw holes on the mounting surface, each with a thread size of M6.
All the distances are in mm.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Pulsar Apex XQ38
- Pulsar Apex XQ38 LRF
- Pulsar Apex XQ50
- Pulsar Apex XQ50 LRF
- Pulsar Trail XQ38
- Pulsar Trail LRF XQ38
- Pulsar Trail XQ50
- Pulsar Trail LRF XQ50
- Pulsar Trail XP38
- Pulsar Trail LRF XP38
- Pulsar Trail XP50
- Pulsar Trail LRF XP50
- Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XQ50*
- Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50*
*Even though this riflescope features the Pulsar Trail mounting standard, its eye relief is different from that of other devices on the list, therefore mount manufacturers usually offer different mounting solutions for it.
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the Pulsar Trail mounting standard
- Pulsar Digisight N960
- Pulsar Digisight N970
- Pulsar Digisight LRF N960
- Pulsar Digisight LRF N970
- Pulsar Digisight N550
- Pulsar Digisight N750
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N355*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N450*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N450 LRF*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 LRF*
- Yukon Sightline N450
- Yukon Sightline N455
- Yukon Sightline N470
- Yukon Sightline N475
- Yukon Sightline N450S
- Yukon Sightline N455S
- Yukon Sightline N470S
- Yukon Sightline N475S
*Even though this riflescope features the Pulsar Trail mounting standard, its eye relief is different from that of other devices on the list, therefore mount manufacturers usually offer different mounting solutions for it.
7.1.2 Pulsar Talion mounting standard
This mounting standard consists of 8 screw holes, positioned in a straight row. The center-to-center distance between adjacent screw holes is 13.5 mm. The outside diameter of the threads is 6 mm.
All the distances are in mm.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
7.1.3. Infiray Saim mounting standard
The Saim mounting standard comprises two screw holes for mounting purposes, each with a thread size of M5. The distance between the centers of the two screw holes equals 30 mm.
All the distances are in mm.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Infiray Geni GL35R
- Infiray Geni GL35R LRF
- Infiray Rico RH35*
- Infiray Rico RH50*
- Infiray Rico RL42*
- Infiray Saim SCT35
- Infiray Saim SCL35
- Infiray Saim SCT35 V2
- Infiray Saim SCH50
- Infiray Saim SCP19
- Liemke Sperber 19
- Liemke Sperber 25
- Liemke Sperber 35
- Night Pearl Fox 35 Elite II
- Night Pearl Fox 19 Hunt
- Night Pearl Fox 35 Hunt
*Even though this riflescope features the Infiray Saim mounting standard, its eye relief is different from that of other devices on the list, therefore mount manufacturers usually offer different mounting solutions for it.
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the Infiray Saim mounting standard
Clip-ons that feature the Infiray Saim mounting standard
- Infiray CD35
- Infiray CL42
- Infiray CH50 V1
- Infiray CH50 V2
- Infiray CH50 W
- Liemke Merlin 42
- Liemke Merlin 50
7.1.5 Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
Hikmicro uses this standard on all their Thunder devices, including clip-ons. It consists of a pair of screw holes that are 29 mm apart from center to center. The thread size is 1/4" - 20.
All the distances are in mm.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Hikmicro Thunder TH25
- Hikmicro Thunder TH35
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TE19
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TE25
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ35
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ50
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PH35L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PH50L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PQ35L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PQ50L
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-S
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SN
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SL
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SNL
Clip-ons that feature the Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-L
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-R
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-RL
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TE19C
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ35C
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ50C
- Hikmicro Thunder TH35C
- Hikmicro Thunder TH35PC
7.1.6 Dedal mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Dedal-T2.380 Hunter
- Dedal-T2.380 Hunter LRF
- Dedal-T4.642 Hunter
- Dedal-T4.642 Pro LRF
- Dedal-T4.642 Pro
7.1.7 Night Pearl Oracle mounting standard
The mounting standard on Oracle thermal riflescopes is different from the one on Night Pearl Fox devices. There are two screw holes for mounting purposes, with a center-to-center distance of 18 mm. They have a thread size of M6.
All the distances are in mm.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Night Pearl Oracle 50 Plus II
- Night Pearl Oracle 50 Elite
- Night Pearl Oracle 35 Elite
- Night Pearl Oracle 35 Pro
7.1.8 Conotech Polaris mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Conotech Polaris 335R
- Conotech Polaris 335RL
- Conotech Polaris 350R
- Conotech Polaris 350RL
- Conotech Polaris 635R
- Conotech Polaris 635RL
- Conotech Polaris 650R
- Conotech Polaris 650RL
Clip-ons that feature the Infiray Saim mounting standard
- Night Pearl Seer 35 Elite
- Night Pearl Seer 35 Pro
- Night Pearl Seer 35
- Night Pearl Seer 50
- Night Pearl Seer 50 Plus
- Night Pearl Seer 50 Plus II
7.1.9 Fortuna General One mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Fortuna General One 3M
- Fortuna General One 6M
- Fortura General One 3L
- Fortuna General One 6L
- Fortuna General One 3XL
- Fortuna General One 6XL
7.1.10 Guide mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Burris BTS35
- Burris BTS50
- Guide TS425
- Guide TS435
- Guide TS450
7.1.11 TVT mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- TVT Archer TSA-7
- TVT Archer TSA-9
- TVT Archer TSA-10
- TVT Archer TSA-11
1.1.12 Pard NV008 mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the Pard NV008 mounting standard
- Pard NV008
- Pard NV008P
- Pard NV008P LRF
- Sytong HT60
7.1.13 ATN ThOR mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- ATN ThOR 2 B&W
- ATN ThOR 2 Color
- ATN ThOR 3 B&W
- ATN ThOR 3 Color
- ATN ThOR 320
- ATN ThOR-336 1-4x
- ATN ThOR-336 1.5-6x
- ATN ThOR-336 3-12x
- ATN ThOR-336 4-16x
- ATN ThOR-336 4.5-18x
- ATN ThOR-336 9-36x
- ATN ThOR-640 1-8x
- ATN ThOR-640 1.5-12x
- ATN ThOR-640 2.25-18x
- ATN ThOR-640 2.5-20x
- ATN ThOR-640 5-40x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 1.25-5x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 2-8x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 4.5-18x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 9-36x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 1-10x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 1.5-15x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 2.5-25x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 5-50x
Analog night vision riflescopes that feature the ATN ThOR mounting standard
- ATN Mars 2
- ATN Mars 4
- ATN Mars 6
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the ATN ThOR mounting standard
- ATN X-Sight HD 3-12x
- ATN X-Sight HD 5-18x
- ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20x
7.1.14 Liemke Merlin mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Infiray CML 25
- Liemke Merlin 19
- Liemke Merlin 25
7.2 Tube mounting standard (30 mm)
These thermal riflescopes use a 30mm tube as a means of mounting. Usually, the mounting surface is separated by the turret section, the same as with standard riflescopes. To mount these thermal riflescopes on a rifle, 30mm rings are needed.
Thermal riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- ATN ThOR 4 384 1-25-5x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 2-8x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 4.5-18x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 7-28x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 1-10x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 1.5-15x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 2.5-25x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 4-40x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 4-8x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 5-10x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 2-4x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 3-6x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 4-8x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 5-10x*
- Conotech Night Arrow 335
- Conotech Night Arrow 350
- Conotech Night Arrow 635
- Conotech Night Arrow 650
- Guide TU420
- Guide TU430
- Guide TU450
- Guide TU620
- Guide TU630
- Guide TU650
- Hikmicro Stellar SH35
- Hikmicro Stellar SH50
- Hikmicro Stellar SQ35
- Hikmicro Stellar SQ50
- Hikmicro Stellar Pro SQ35
- Hikmicro Stellar Pro SQ50
- Infiray Tube TD50 L
- Infiray Tube TL35
- Infiray Tube TL35 V2
- Infiray Tube TH35
- Infiray Tube TH35 V2
- Infiray Tube TL50
- Infiray Tube TH50
- Lahoux Sight 25
- Lahoux Sight 35
- Lahoux Sight Elite 25
- Lahoux Sight Elite 50
- Liemke Sperber 1
- Night Pearl Marten 420
- Night Pearl Marten 430
- Night Pearl Marten 450
- Night Pearl Marten 620
- Night Pearl Marten 630
- Night Pearl Marten 650
- Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP50
- Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP55
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG50
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion XM30
- Pulsar Thermion XM38
- Pulsar Thermion XM50
- Pulsar Thermion XP38
- Pulsar Thermion XP50
- Pulsar Thermion XQ38
- Pulsar Thermion XQ50
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
- Thermtec Ares335
- Thermtec Ares360
- Thermtec Ares660
*named Mars instead of ThOR in the EU.
Digital night vision riflescopes that feature the tube mounting standard
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
- ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x
- ATN X-Sight LTV 5-15x
- ATN X-Sight 4K INT 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight 4K INT 5-20x
- Guide DU50
- Hikmicro Alpex A50T
- Hikmicro Alpex A50TN
- Infiray Tube TD50L
- Pard DS35
- Pulsar Digex C50
- Pulsar Digex N450
- Pulsar Digex N455
- Yukon Photon RT 4.5x42S
- Yukon Photon XT 6.5x50S
8. Conclusion
If you have a thermal riflescope that is not listed in this article, or if you have found any error, please send an e-mail to andraz.gradisnik@optics-trade.eu – help us expand our database. We greatly appreciate everyone’s help!
This article is regularly updated with new information and user contributions. We aim to create a collection of useful data that will be of great help to users and potential buyers of thermal riflescopes, and those who are looking for a mount for their thermal riflescope.
List of all thermal riflescopes
This section is still in the making.
